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Payroll Processing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

In addition to payroll processing, you'll serve as a resource to employees and managers by answering payroll questions, assisting with system navigation, validating payroll data, and ensuring ...

Payroll Specialist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$23.75 - $27.50/hr

Manage payroll processing activities in Dayforce while maintaining accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with established payroll practices. * Partner with HR, payroll, and other internal stakeholders ...

Payroll Specialist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$30 - $34/hr

Administer end-to-end payroll processing for approximately 800 employees, ensuring timely and accurate pay for both semi-monthly salaried staff and hourly team members. * Manage multi-state payroll ...

New

Payroll Administrator

Santa Clarita, CA

$24.75 - $33.50/hr

The primary role of the Payroll Administrator is to be responsible for all tasks involved in processing payroll, with an emphasis on accurate timekeeping, prevailing wage compliance, certified ...

In addition to payroll processing, you'll serve as a resource to employees and managers by answering payroll questions, assisting with system navigation, validating payroll data, and ensuring ...

Manage end-to-end payroll processing * Ensure compliance with payroll tax regulations * Review payroll reconciliations and reporting * Address payroll inquiries and discrepancies * Partner with HR ...

Payroll Specialist

Watsonville, CA · On-site

$24.75 - $33.75/hr

Own end-to-end payroll processing, including time entry review, payroll edits, check processing, and journal entry posting to ensure accurate and timely payments to employees. * Support monthly union ...

Manage internal controls to process employee anniversary vacation payouts, annual sick time payouts, bonuses, wage increases, final pay, and other special payroll as per policies.Retain all payroll ...

Manage end-to-end payroll processing * Ensure compliance with payroll tax regulations * Review payroll reconciliations and reporting * Address payroll inquiries and discrepancies * Partner with HR ...

Payroll Specialist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Qualifications & Requirements * 4-6 years of progressive payroll experience with hands-on payroll processing and analysis experience. * Advanced Excel skills required, including VLOOKUPs, Pivot ...

Payroll Specialist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Qualifications & Requirements * 4-6 years of progressive payroll experience with hands-on payroll processing and analysis experience. * Advanced Excel skills required, including VLOOKUPs, Pivot ...

Payroll Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

This role is responsible for ensuring accurate payroll processing, compliance with California labor laws and payroll tax regulations, and leading a payroll team in a high-volume setting.

Showing results 41-60

Payroll Processing information

See California salary details

$13

$24

$35

How much do payroll processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for payroll processing in California is $24.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $27.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is payroll processing?

Payroll processing is the administrative task of calculating and distributing employee wages, salaries, bonuses, and deductions for a specific pay period. This process involves gathering employee work hours, calculating gross pay, deducting taxes and benefits, and issuing paychecks or direct deposits. Payroll processing also ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws regarding wage payments and recordkeeping. Accurate payroll processing is crucial for maintaining employee satisfaction and avoiding legal penalties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a payroll processor?

To thrive as a Payroll Processor, you need strong attention to detail, proficiency in mathematics, and a solid understanding of payroll regulations, typically supported by a degree in accounting or a related field. Familiarity with payroll software such as ADP or Paychex, as well as knowledge of timekeeping and HRIS systems, is often required. Excellent organizational skills, discretion, and effective communication help manage sensitive information and resolve employee inquiries efficiently. These abilities are crucial for ensuring timely, accurate payroll processing and maintaining compliance with legal and organizational standards.

What are some common challenges faced in payroll processing, and how can they be managed effectively?

One of the most common challenges in payroll processing is ensuring accuracy and compliance with changing tax regulations and labor laws. Payroll professionals must regularly update their knowledge and systems to reflect these changes and minimize errors. Effective communication with HR and finance departments is also essential to resolve discrepancies and gather the necessary data for timely payroll runs. Utilizing reliable payroll software and maintaining thorough documentation can help manage these challenges and support a smooth payroll cycle.

How to become a payroll processing?

To become a payroll processor, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with knowledge of payroll software and payroll laws. Gaining experience in accounting or administrative roles and obtaining certifications such as the Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) can improve job prospects. Strong attention to detail and proficiency with spreadsheets and payroll systems are essential skills for this role.

What do payroll processing do?

Payroll processing involves calculating employee wages, deducting taxes and other withholdings, and issuing payments through checks or direct deposit. Payroll professionals ensure compliance with tax laws and company policies, often using payroll software to manage records accurately and efficiently.

What are the most commonly searched types of Payroll Processing jobs in California?

The most popular types of Payroll Processing jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Payroll Processing jobs?

Cities in California with the most Payroll Processing job openings:

Infographic showing various Payroll Processing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,400 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Payroll Specialist

LHH US

San Francisco, CA

$39.70 - $48.87/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

LHH Recruitment Solutions is partnering with a respected mission driven company seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist to join a collaborative payroll team responsible for processing payroll for approximately 900 employees. This role offers the opportunity to support critical payroll operations while assisting with a major payroll and human capital management system transition.
The organization's payroll team is currently balancing regular payroll responsibilities alongside an implementation project involving Oracle HCM and ADP Workforce Now. The ideal candidate will bring strong payroll expertise, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time.
About the Role
As a Payroll Specialist, you will be part of a team responsible for processing payroll for approximately 1,200 employees. In addition to payroll processing, you'll serve as a resource to employees and managers by answering payroll questions, assisting with system navigation, validating payroll data, and ensuring compliance with wage and hour regulations. This position will play an important role in supporting the organization's transition to Oracle HCM and ADP Workforce Now.
Key Responsibilities
  • Process bi-weekly payroll for approximately 900 employees accurately and on schedule.
  • Review payroll data, timecards, and payroll exceptions to ensure accuracy and compliance.
  • Validate payroll information and perform quality control checks during the transition to Oracle HCM and ADP Workforce Now.
  • Assist employees and managers with payroll-related questions and system navigation.
  • Ensure compliance with wage and hour regulations, pay rules, and company payroll policies.
  • Review overtime, earnings, deductions, taxes, and payroll adjustments.
  • Research and resolve payroll discrepancies and employee inquiries in a timely manner.
  • Generate, analyze, and reconcile payroll reports using Excel.
  • Support payroll operations while balancing regular payroll processing and system implementation activities.
  • Collaborate with payroll team members and implementation partners to ensure successful payroll processing and system adoption.
  • Help maintain payroll deadlines with pay periods closing on Sundays and payroll processing occurring on Mondays.
Qualifications
  • Minimum 3 years of experience as a Payroll Specialist, Payroll Administrator, or related payroll position.
  • Recent hands-on experience with ADP Workforce Now is required.
  • Intermediate Excel skills, including VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables, filtering, sorting, and data reconciliation.
  • Experience processing payroll for large employee populations, preferably 900+ employees.
  • Strong working knowledge of payroll practices, payroll tax regulations, wage and hour laws, and compliance requirements.
  • Ability to interpret and apply pay rules accurately.
  • Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Strong customer service and communication skills with the ability to support employees and management.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  • Experience supporting payroll system implementations, conversions, or migrations is highly preferred.
  • Must be local to the San Francisco Bay Area and able to work in office (hybrid schedule)
Pay Details: $39.70 - $48.87 per hour
Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP services, commuter benefits, and a 401(k) plan. Associates may also be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or other paid leave as required by applicable law.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Pay Details: $39.70 to $48.87 per hour
Search managed by: Anne OBrien Silveira
Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Military connected talent encouraged to apply
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.lhh.com/us/en/candidate-privacy
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
  • The California Fair Chance Act
  • Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
  • Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
  • San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.